Olympic24: Badminton in strong position for Europeans and swimmers prepare for London return

26 April 2016 / 07:11

Badminton England's performance director says his squad are in a strong position ahead of the European Championships in France while the British Swimming team prepare to compete at London's Aquatic Centre. Here’s our review of the last 24 hours:

European Badminton Championships kick off today in La Roche-sur Yon in France

The 26-strong British swimming team to continue their Rio preparations in London next month.

Naomi Broady defeated by American Madison Brengle in her clay court opener

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Home nations in strong position as team heads to European Championships

With less than four months to go until the Olympic Games get underway in Rio, Badminton England's performance director Jon Austin believes his charges are in a strong position on the court.

The European Championships kick off today in La Roche-sur-Yon, France and will be the last opportunity for athletes to seal qualification for the Olympics later this summer.

Joining top seeds the Adcocks across the Channel will be Heather Olver and Lauren Smith, who will be hoping to book their place on the plane to Rio at the final opportunity.

And while the England team will be looking to win their first individual title at the European Championships since Anthony Clark and Donna Kellogg won the mixed doubles in 2008, Austin insists the main focus is on Olympic qualification.

"The European Championships is an important factor in the ability to qualify for Rio," said Austin. "But the main priority is still on the Olympics.

"We have a number of players who can compete for medals in France."

Return to London's Aquatic Centre comes at perfect time for British swimmers says Chris Spice

British Swimming national performance director Chris Spice believes next month’s European Swimming Championships will be perfect preparation for Rio.

The 26-strong Olympic swimming squad will compete at the European Championships at the London Aquatics Centre at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.

The team includes world champions Adam Peaty and James Guy as well as individual world medallists Jazz Carlin and Siobhan-Marie O’Connor.

Spice said: “This event comes at the perfect time.

“A major international event at an iconic 2012 Olympic venue, as a team we couldn’t ask for better.

“This event also provides a wonderful opportunity for the British public to see and support our swimming stars in home waters once again.”

Broady struggles in Prague as Watson announces grass court opener

British number three Naomi Broady has lost her clay court opener at the Prague Open to Madison Brengle.

The Brit fell to a 6-2 6-0 loss to the American who is ranked nine places higher than Broady in the world.

The 26-year-old reached a career-high 76 in the rankings last month after her first WTA semi-final appearance in Kuala Lumpur.

Meanwhile, fellow Brit Heather Watson has confirmed she will start her grass court season at June’s Aegon Open in Nottingham.

“I had some incredible moments on grass last year and want to do even better in 2016,” she said.

“I was sorry to miss the event last year and I’m looking forward to starting my grass court season there.”

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